I'm going to read two passages written by the same person.

Ultimately, we believe the whole book is written by God, the spirit of Jesus,

but this man by the name of Paul is used to write at least half of what we now call the New Testament.

It's not that new, but it's

newer than the Old Testament. And he writes in two different passages about

accomplishment, strengths, and another passage about his weakness. I'd like to read both of these passages.

So I'm going to start in Philippians, chapter 3, and we're going to read a few verses.

Then we're going to jump over to 2 Corinthians and chapter 12. And I'd like to title this message tonight, does God help those who help themselves?

Does God help those who help themselves? And I'd like to, on my notes, oftentimes I'll put a goalpost,

and that goalpost represents for me the felt need

that I feel passionate about addressing

on a particular gathering or evening.

And tonight my goalposts are next to striving, feel stressed, or your relationship with God, those of you that are in relationship with God,

does it lack satisfaction?

Do you feel tired?

Do you feel frustrated?

Do you wonder is this as far as I go in terms of loving God, enjoying Jesus, is there, is there more?

And I'd like to suggest tonight that maybe without even knowing it, we are our own worst enemies

when it comes to getting to know God more and more.

And I'm really excited to share this message with you.

I had a whole other message prepared, but right after I read

a great article about an artist that I admire, this message came to me. So thank you Vanity Fair

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